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We have just spent a week at Magnolia. Although it was early December the weather was very pleasant and all was made even better by the excellent standards and facilities of the appartment. Firstly, everything imaginable was there - all kitchen utensils, even things such as nutcrackers, cheese graters, casserole dishes, juicer - that are often not there. So if you are into cooking, this place is ideal. All the appliances were Bosch and of an extremely high standard and included a washer-drier, large fridge and full-sized dishwasher - and they all worked impeccably. The wifi and TV facilities were oustanding - we had direct TV from the UK thanks to Filmon and excellent wifi communications - no drop outs whatsoever - so 10 out of 10 for this too.Lastly, we have travelled a lot and to some not so safe areas, so certainly did not feel at all insecure in Portugal - but acess to the appartment is through a coded gate and there are security blinds to all windows.There is also an instruction manual with very clear notes on how everything works - which is also pretty rare.

We found the leisure centre an absolute boon at this time of year. The beaches were lovely for brisk walks but the sea was too rough and cold to swim in - so we made full use of the indoor pool, which was heated - and table tennis and pool tables. There is also a gym, sauna and Turkish baths which we didn't use but it looked like all equipment was well maintained.

The appartment is on the ground floor near the gate to the car park, so bringing in shopping was easy. I would imagine it would be suitable for someone in a wheel chair too since there is a ramp up to the front door. There were no extensive gardens and no pretty or sea views but the surroundings were pleasant enough, with some grassed areas and shrubs. Our appartment had a nice terraced area partly under cover (good for hot days) and a small garden at the front as well. All the neighbours were friendly and above all quiet - no noisy music, lager louts or barking dogs!

Guia itself is a large village situated just off the main N125 trunk road which stretches right across the Algarve. The village is not chocolate-box pretty but is sweet, with some older cobbled streets and a good selection of little shops. When we were there there were some lovely, large Nativity statues dotted throughout the main areas and a Christmas market was just being set up. In front of the appartment building were a kindergarten and primary school, so we felt very much a part of daily Portuguese life while we were there. Guia is very convenient too - it is not very far to anywhere at all - Albufeira 10 minutes, Amarcao 10 minutes, Silves 25 minutes, Faro 45 minutes - so you can jump in a car (you should really have one) and go on some good shortish trips to lots of different places.

Re food: in the village is a butchers, a bakers and little supermarket but around 2 minutes up the road on the N125 is the Algarve shopping centre with all big brand names including FNAC for PC /phone needs and a huge Continente supermarket with a fantastic selection of EVERYthing! Prices are very cheap too - a cheap bottle of wine is less than 2 euros, a half decent bottle around 5. And if that isn't enough there is a very high class supermarket called Apollonia just up the road in Gale, around 15 minutes drive.

So - a perfect stay - we really could fault it. Very highly recommended and a big thank you.

Travelling group:Spouse/Partner

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Yes.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Excellent accomodation and well equipped apartment. Pleasant village with a number of good restaurants and cafe/patisseries. The Alberfera shopping complex just 5 minutes away in the car. Will defiantly consider staying here again.

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Liked best:Quite pleasant village with easy commute to main resorts.

Liked least:Nothing

Travelling group:Spouse/Partner

Your age range65+

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Friends getaway

People with disabilities

Older travelers

Families with young children

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We spent 3 days on the Algarve Coast before taking the train to Lisbon to begin our Viking River Cruise. Nigel's condo was the PERFECT home base for us. The condo was exactly as advertised, with all the best amenities. It was a short walk to several restaurants and bars and a 2 minute walk to the market. Although we did not have time to use the pool, many guests seemed to be enjoying it. We appreciated all the safety features Nigel had in place.We were only a 15 minute taxi ride from the incredible International Sand Festival - one of the reasons we chose to stay in Guia. I HIGHLY recommend "Magnolia" for your stay.

How easy was it to book the property?

How helpful were the directions to the property?

How easy was key pickup/access to the property?

Overall condition of the property

Bedding & mattresses

Kitchen & utensils

Bathroom cleanliness

Other facilities & amenities

Service

Liked best:The location

Travelling group:Spouse/Partner

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Friends getaway

Was the property as advertised?

Would you recommend the location of this property?

Was it a good value for the price paid?

Did the property offer wi-fi/internet access?

Was your security deposit returned on time?

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

We looked at several possible apartments when planning our trip to Portugal and the Algarve region. We settled on the small town of Guia. After reading and reviewing the pictures of several apartments in Guia, we kept coming back to the Magnolia. When we arrived, we were not disappointed. The apartment was very clean and decorated in a way that is very comfortable for reading and relaxing. The kitchen was completely stocked and easy for 2 to work in and prepare light breakfasts or snacks. We loved the outside patio for evening cocktails and snacks. The pool was also a positive. One in our group swam several times. The location of the apartment is perfect. You can walk for coffee in the AM and then there are several great restaurant choices for excellent fish and pork in the town. We were never disappointed

Travelling group:Friends

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC